S.F. 1118 and H.F. 1369 (companion bills) were introduced in the Minnesota Legislature during the 2011-2012 session. Minnesota functions on a two-year cycle. These bills did not get hearings in the House or Senate in 2011 or 2012 so did not move forward — the bills did not pass. (The 2011-2012 session ended May 10, 2012.)

AFMN POSITION: Opposed to this bill

BILL DESCRIPTION

S.F. 1118/H.F. 1369 gained a lot of attention because similar bills were introduced in other states by agricultural interests. Iowa and Utah passed similar bills. These bills would criminalize anyone "blowing the whistle" on animal cruelty, food safety problems, or labor abuses inside animal facilities by making it a crime to take photos, video or sound inside such facilities (without the permission of the owner) — or for the news media to possess or distribute these images.

This bill has been referred to as "Ag-Gag" legislation. The language in the Minnesota bills differs from some bills in other states in that it defines an 'animal facility' even broader terms. The Minnesota bills not only included farming operations, but they also included research facilities, veterinary offices, animal pounds or shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels and commercial breeding kennels. The bills also applied to crop operations.

BACKGROUND/ISSUE:

While the bill did not pass in 2011-2012, a similar bill (new numbers) could be introduced in the 2013-2014 Minnesota Legislative Session. The "issue" has not gone away, though, in coming months, it may be challenged in states where it passed.

As this issue is critical (allowing for filming of animal abuse), data and links are provided below for education purposes. Examples of undercover video/photos leading to greater protections of animals, consumers, and communities:

"Ag-Gag" bills have been introduced in Utah, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Florida and New York. Iowa and Utah passed their bills into law; bills in other states failed or no action was taken.

(CLARIFICATION: In the news report, people are advised to "go to the MN Board of Animal Health, if they have a problem." However, there is no state law that allows the MN Board of Animal Health to license, inspect or regulate dog and cat breeders — or to act on complaints within dog/cat breeding facilities. That is the purpose of S.F. 462/H.F. 702 — to give the Board of Animal Health the authority to act. In the report, it is also suggested that the abusive breeding practices of Minnesota dog breeder Kathy Bauck represents a "small fraction" of breeders. Animal cruelty within dog/cat breeding facilities throughout Minnesota is well-documented and has been a problem for decades.)